Headwaters: The Adventures, Obsession and Evolution of a Fly Fisherman

by Dylan Tomine

Christmas Island. The Russian Arctic. Argentine Patagonia. Japan. Cuba. British Columbia.

Dylan Tomine takes us to the far reaches of the planet in search of fish and adventure, with keen insight, a strong stomach and plenty of laughs along the way. Closer to home, he wades deeper into his beloved steelhead rivers of the Pacific Northwest and the politics of saving them. Tomine celebrates the joy—and pain—of exploration, fatherhood and the comforts of home waters from a vantage point well off the beaten path. Headwaters traces the evolution of a lifelong angler’s priorities from fishing to the survival of the fish themselves. It is a book of remarkable obsession, environmental awareness shaped by experience, and hope for the future.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Outdoors

256 pages, Hardcover

Published April 12, 2022

Reviews

[Taylor Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely informative and a lovely anthology about fishing. The individual stories were good but you can tell they were meant to be read individually, taken together they were a little formulaic. I did appreciate the information on commercial hatcheries! Good not great.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I loved Tomine's fishing adventures and especially the personal family snippets, I also enjoyed his steelhead politics to a point. After awhile those caused my brain to become "glassy eyed" ... in the end, it was just too much although I thoroughly agree with his thoughts on fish farms, ag pollution, parking lots, ad infintim. Those issues hold true for all US rivers including our very own Minnesota River and its tributaries. By the end, though, it was merely a rehashing of previous arguments making the same points over and over again. And, Tomine was preaching to the choir, for there is a wonderful though small fly fishing audience, and an even smaller Steelhead audience. All that said, I'm happy to have had a friend who recognizes my passion for fly fishing gift me with such a read.

[Diane Ferbrache · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of essays by Patagonia fly-fishing ambassador -- from reminiscences of fishing with his dad to stories about fishing in exotic places to musings on the loss of the steelhead population in the Pacific Northwest. Tomine's writing is engaging and entertaining, the stories range from humorous to depressing to suspenseful. My husband lamented the lack of attention other types of fly-fishing since the focus is clearly on steelhead fishing, but this would be a good book for any fly-fishermen/women.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent combination of sobering and important information about fish survival on this planet with irreverent (and at times horrifying) anecdotes poking fun at himself and other fishing addicts. He had me at the first paragraph. I especially liked the short anecdotes between chapters. As a definitely casual fly fisher person, I am still appreciative of his ability to describe the wonder of it all.

[Colin Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for anyone with even a passing interest in fly fishing and river ecosystems. Tomine is an excellent writer and beautifully illustrates the highs and lows of fishing (which as anyone who fishes much knows - there are a lot of lows). This is collection of articles pulled from various publications so it is easy to pick and put down as needed. Highly recommended.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time seems to disappear when I am fly fishing and the same was true when I read Headwaters by Dylan Tomine. His writing brought me to the many areas of the world I have only dreamed of fishing, exquisitely capturing all the joys and frustrations one encounters engaging in this religion. I must mention the beautiful art illustrations throughout the book.

[Mossy Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, entrancing connection. Humor and grace push this collection. Savored it as I read it.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read. Lots of fly fishing terminology. Covers the fly fishing experience and conservation efforts. Makes one wonder why there’s still hatcheries producing fish.

[Dick Whittington · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lifelong fly fisherman, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the places the author fished that I can only dream about. Well written, described and reported. Totally authentic and believable.

[Danny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book perfectly encapsulates everything I hate and everything I love about fly fishing.

[Andrew Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful set of short stories and article written by a puget sound resident who clearly has the best interest of our wild heritage in mind.

[David Lo · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You Americans really like ass.”

[Ryan Brandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

An envious life, at times, for the experiences the author has lived. And envious for those who experienced this earth before we mucked it up. Is all hope lost?

[Marinna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compilation of many very well written fly fishing stories. A focus on steelhead and conservation.